New Delhi, August 16 — The Indian government has so far refrained from issuing an official response to the outcome of the high-stakes dialogue between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. While the talks ended without a formal agreement, their cordial nature has raised speculation that Washington may hold off on imposing secondary tariffs on countries importing Russian oil — a move that would bring significant relief to India.
President Trump, speaking to Fox News after the meeting, hinted at a possible delay in implementing the proposed 25% penalty tariff on Russian oil. “I’ll look at that in two or three weeks,” he said, suggesting that the August 27 deadline for the tariffs might be extended. The secondary tariffs would be in addition to the existing 25% reciprocal duties the U.S. has already levied on Indian exports.
Crucially for India, which continues to import around 2 million barrels per day of Russian crude through state-run refiners, Trump claimed that New Delhi had already reduced its dependence on Moscow for oil supplies — a claim not backed by facts on the ground. Indian oil companies have received no official directive from the government to cease or curtail Russian imports, and continue their purchases unhindered.
In the lead-up to the Trump-Putin meeting, which India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed as a step toward dialogue, officials in New Delhi were monitoring three key potential outcomes:
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire: Any progress toward peace in Ukraine would likely ease U.S. objections to India’s Russian oil purchases.
Tone of U.S.-Russia Talks: If the talks ended amicably, there was hope that Washington might reconsider or postpone the 25% penalty tariffs targeting Indian buyers of Russian crude. A hostile conclusion, on the other hand, could have led to more aggressive U.S. actions — including potential increases in tariffs, as hinted earlier by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Resumption of India-U.S. Trade Talks: A constructive U.S.-Russia outcome could pave the way for restarting bilateral trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington. These discussions, including talks on reducing reciprocal tariffs, had been put on hold until the Russian oil issue was resolved. The next round of talks had been scheduled for August 25 in Delhi.
Despite no breakthrough in Alaska, a brief joint appearance by the two leaders suggested the talks had been cordial. Putin noted that some agreements had been reached, even though no formal deal was signed.
Trump Repeats Ceasefire Mediation Claims
Meanwhile, President Trump reignited controversy by reiterating his alleged role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during the May 2025 skirmishes. Speaking again to Fox News, he said he had “stopped a potential nuclear conflict” after both nations reportedly shot down each other’s aircraft during Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam terror attacks.
“India and Pakistan were already shooting down planes. I’d say it was going nuclear. And I got a ceasefire done,” Trump claimed, insisting his mediation prevented further escalation.
Indian officials, however, have consistently rejected suggestions of third-party mediation, maintaining that bilateral issues with Pakistan are to be resolved directly. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh confirmed Indian forces had inflicted damage on several Pakistani F-16s during the conflict, but the government has yet to release details about its own aircraft losses, citing ongoing national security concerns.
Trump also noted that he used trade relations as leverage in negotiating the ceasefire. “If there’s a war going on, and we’re trading with one or both countries, I say: no deal unless there’s peace,” he said.
What Lies Ahead
With no clear resolution from the U.S.-Russia talks, India now awaits clarity on whether the 50% tariff burden — combining existing and proposed duties — will be imposed. As the August 27 deadline looms, New Delhi remains cautiously optimistic that the pressure from energy needs and global diplomacy may stay Washington’s hand.
